The hustle and bustle of the Holiday season is coming to a close and New Years Eve is right around the corner. Here are a few tips on how to dispose of common Holiday leftovers and clean up after the party has ended.
Christmas Tree: One-third of all Christmas tree fires occur in January verses December, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. It’s important to dispose your Christmas tree as soon as it shows signs of drying out. It’s best to cut the tree down into pieces that will fit into your waste container and put it out on the curb on collection day. Some cities offer drop off locations for residents to recycle their Christmas trees. For example, in the Indianapolis area, Indy Parks & Recreation will offer eight drop-off locations in Marion County from Dec. 26 through Jan. 31, 2010. For more information visit IndyParks.org.
Food: If you have pets, be sure to dispose of bones in a secure trash can, preferably one outside, even if they don’t usually bother with your inside trash can. The rich scent could entice them to dig through it. Veterinarians claim that during the Holiday season many animals make a trip to the emergency clinic due to obstructions caused from table scraps.
Candle Wax: Those festive candles sure are pretty but they can leave a bit of a mess as they melt, get bumped and drip all over your clothing, linens, carpet, and table cloths. Before trying our tips, be sure to read the care label on the item and when in doubt, take it to a professional.
The best way to remove candle wax from washable materials is to first gently scrape to remove excess. Next place the stain between two pieces of white blotting paper and press with a warm iron using care. With colored wax, be sure to change the paper as it absorbs the stain because this stain can spread easily. And use extreme care when pressing. If any trace of the stain remains flush with a stain-removing agent. Rinse well with clear water and dry.
To remove candle wax from unwashable materials, freeze the wax to harden it by applying ice against the stain. Carefully scrape the excess then place an absorbent pad under the stain & flush with a stain remover. Allow to dry and repeat if necessary.
To remove wax from Carpet, Felt, Leather, & Suede, first freeze to harden the wax. For Leather & Suede, place the ice in a plastic bag first before applying. Gently scrape to remove excess from the surface. If any stain still remains on your leather or suede, mix a thick paste of fuller’s earth with water, apply and allow it to dry. Carefully brush it off with a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush.
REMEMBER: ALWAYS follow the cleaning label of chemicals and if you see a color or texture change in the material, stop immediately. Have a professional remove the wax.
If you have any questions regarding removing wax from your materials, please contact us for help. Or, you may bring your items into any of our locations and we’ll happily help remove the wax from the items for you.
